Bass and drums are a symbiotic relationship of love and respect. No one needs to lead or follow because we are reading each other's minds. It is a beautiful thing
But if the drummer is rubbish I will lead and I just do not care. If I start playing straight crotchets my wife knows I am not enjoying the gig. She knows I am wrestling with at least one member of the band. And to be fair it could be any member of the band.
Don't get me wrong, I am not "all that" but I know where 1 is and I know where the next 1 should be.